A smooth spherical ball of mass M = 2 kg is resting on two identical blocks A and B as shown in the figure. The blocks are moved apart with same horizontal velocity V = 1 m/s in opposite directions (see figure).
(a) Find the normal force applied by each of the blocks on the sphere at the instant separation between the blocks is `a = sqrt2R`, R = 1.0 m being the radius of the ball.

(b) How much force must be applied on each of the two blocks (when `a = sqrt2R`) so that they do not have any acceleration. Assume that the he horizontal surface is smooth.

Answer

(a) `(10sqrt2 - 8 ) N`
(b) `(5 - 4sqrt2)N`